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Military Families
Jackiemxoxo
member
Pax River MD vs Pensacola FL
Jackiemxoxo
member
Has anyone here been stationed at these two places and did you like it or not? TIA
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pax River MD vs Pensacola FL
We've been stationed in both.
They are pretty different. Pax River is rural (but you can easily do day trips to DC and Annapolis). It is a very quiet area. Everything you need and everyone who is stationed there is in closer quarters (it just isn't a very big area). There are 4 seasons. The base is pretty and is mostly contractors. If I am not mistaken, there is more contractors that work on base than military
. The NEX and commissary are small but nice. Cost of living is fairly high as you are close to the DC area. There are good schools in the area (private and pubic).
Pensacola is more spread out, the base is much bigger and it is a bigger military community. Housing is cheaper. It is hotter. The beaches are the best thing it has going for it (they are very lovely - white sand beaches are amazing). While Pensacola is a more populated community with more "stuff" (shops, etc), you don't have the same access to greater metropolitan areas like you do in Pax.
Personally, I would go back to Pax River 100 times before going back to Pensacola. But my view is definitely clouded by the fact that my family lives in DC and my husband went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis so we love going back there for football games and such. We also like the "sailing town" feel of St. Mary's County and love Maryland crab and the Chesapeake Bay in general. You have to make more of an effort in Pax to have social things to do, but we found after 3 years that the area has a lot going for it.
Pensacola just wasn't my style. There are very few quaint areas and I just don't like the muggy hot and humid mess that engulfs that area. The beach is fine, but not enough for me to want to live there.
Married 6/28/03
Kate ~ 7/3/09 *** Connor ~ 11/11/10
4 miscarriages: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
*~*~*~*~*
No more TTC for us. We are done, and at peace, as a family of 4.
"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” — Charles Dickens
We were stationed in Pensacola while my husband did flight training there. Personally, I LOVED it. The warm weather, the beaches and did I mention the beaches! WE had such a great time while stationed there.
Obviously I can't speak for the other area since we've never been there but we loved the panhandle so much that we will end up retiring somewhere in Florida.
WE have been stationed in VA Beach too.
The drive between Pax and VA Beach is easy peasy.
I am a total city girl. Born and raised in DC, college in Philly. I do not find Pensacola charming even a little bit. It isn't a big city. It isn't even like VA Beach. It is just. Blah.
Anyway, yes, Pax is more rural. But the opportunities you have within an hour are MUCH more appealing than anything an hour from P'Cola. And you will be a comfortable distance from VA Beach - close enough to do easy weekend trips but far enough where there won't be any drop ins
.
Married 6/28/03
Kate ~ 7/3/09 *** Connor ~ 11/11/10
4 miscarriages: 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014
*~*~*~*~*
No more TTC for us. We are done, and at peace, as a family of 4.
"Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.” — Charles Dickens